Newspaper subscriptions

Who gets the local newspaper?

Do you pay a yearly subscription fee?

One of my pet peeves is companies that spend almost all of their efforts trying to acquire new customers while virtually ignoring their existing customer base.

One such practice is that of "special" subscription rates for newspapers. Why, as a long-time reader of a newspaper, should I be expected to pay full subscription fees when the paper provides reduced rates to new users?

Here's a trick I've had success with for the last three years: when your yearly subscription notice comes due, search for web sites that offer reduced rates for the paper. Here's a good one: http://www.subscription-offers.com/newspapers/

Call customer service and indicate that you've received a renewal notice. Explain to them that you are aware of offers to new subscribers for only $xx and that you'd like to receive the same yearly rate. The past three years I've been able to negotiate a savings of nearly $100 on my yearly subscription renewal with almost no effort whatsoever. No arguments, threats or anything.

Now, that being said, it's possible that your local paper may claim that these prices are only good for new subscribers and you aren't eligible. My suggestion would be to ask for a supervisor to explain why a long-standing customer should be expected to pay more than a non-customer. Don't get angry or abusive. Just ask. It's a legitimate question.

If they continue to resist, you can pay them what they want or cancel the service. If you cancel, odds are that within a few weeks you will be receiving calls and letters begging for you to sign up at (you guessed it) a significantly reduced rate.

You won't be able to buy a new car or pay off a credit card debt, but $100 is $100.

Now, what do you do with your newly rescued money? In my next blog entry I have some thoughts you might be interested in.